Land use and land cover changes in small Carpathian catchments between the mid-19^th and early 21^st centuries and their record on the land surface

Land use and land cover(LULC) changes and their impact on the mountain environment were studied in six catchments(～10 km^2 each) in the Polish Western Carpathians from the mid-19^(th) century to the early 21^(st) century. The analysis of cadastral and orthophoto maps indicates that during the investigated period, the forest area increased, quantified by an annual change index(Annch), between +0.12% to +0.27%, with a decrease of arable land index to –0.45% and –2.28% in the analysed catchments. LULC changes were accompanied by a continuous increase in settlement developments(residential and farming houses) by 50%-140% as well as significant changes related to their spatial distribution. Abandonment of arable land and forest succession have resulted in the geomorphological transformation of hillslopes, which predominantly includes a decrease in used road density, their transformation to road cuts and gorges. Overpopulation and the domination agriculture in the past caused the expansion of unpaved roads density and then the fragmentation of hillslopes, as well as the development of agricultural terraces.

Spatial modelling of deforestation in Romanian Carpathian Mountains using GIS and Logistic Regression

Deforestation process represents a wide concern mainly in the mountain environments due to its role in global warming, biodiversity loss, land degradation and natural hazards occurrence. Thus, the present study is focused on the largest afforested landform unit of Romania and, consequently, the most affected area by forest losses: Carpathian Mountains. The main goal of the paper is to examine and analyze the various explanatory variables associated with deforestation process and to model the probability of deforestation using GIS spatial analysis and logistic regression. The forest cover for 1990 and 2012, derived from CORINE Land Cover(CLC) database, were used to quantify historical forest cover change included in the modelling. To explain the biophysical and anthropogenic effects, this study considered several explanatory factors related to local topography, forest cover pattern, accessibility, urban growth and population density. Using ROC(Receiver Operating Characteristic) and 500 controlling sampling points, the statistical and spatial validations were assessed in order to evaluate the performance of the resulted data. The analysis showed that the area experienced a continuous forest cover change, leading to the loss of over 250,000 ha of forested area during the period 1990–2012. The most significant influence of the explanatory factors of deforestation were noticed in case of distance to forest edge(β=–4.215), forest fragmentation(β=2.231), slope declivity(β=–1.901), elevation(β=1.734) and distance to roads(β=–1.713). The statistical and spatial validation indicates a good accuracy of the model with reasonably AUC(0.736) and Kappa(0.739) values. The model's results suggest an intensification of the deforestation process in the area, designing numerous new clusters with high probability in the Apuseni Mountains, northern and central part of the Eastern Carpathians, western part of the Southern Carpathians and northern part of the Banat Mountains. The study could represent a useful outcome to identify the forests more vulnerable to logging and to adopt appropriate policies and decisions in forest management and conservation. In addition, the resulted probability map could be used in other studies in order to investigate potential environmental implications(e.g. geomorphological hazards or impact on biodiversity and landscape diversity).

Peri-Gondwanan terranes in the Romanian Carpathians:A review of their spatial distribution,origin,provenance,and evolution

The basement of the Romanian Carpathians is made of Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic peri- Gondwanan terranes variably involved in the Variscan orogeny, similarly to other basement terrains of Europe. They were hardly dismembered during the Alpine orogeny and traditionally have their own names in the three Carpathian areas. The Danubian domain of the South Carpathians comprises the Dragsan and Lainici-Paiius peri-Amazonian terranes. The Dragsan terrane originated within the ocean surrounding Rodinia and docked with Rodinia at -800 Ma. It does not contain Cadomian magmatism and consequently it is classified as an Avalonian extra-Cadomian terrane, The Lainici-Pfiius terrane is a Ganderian fragment strongly modified by Cadomian subduction-related magmatism, It is attached to the Moesia platform. The TisoviD terrane is an ophiolite that marks the boundary between Drfagsan and Lainici-Paius terranes. The other basement terranes of the Romanian Carpathians originated close to the Ordovician North- African orogen, as a result of the eastern Rheic Ocean opening and closure. Except for the Sebes-Lotru terrane that includes a lower metamorphic unit of Cadomian age, all the other terranes （Bretila, Tulghes, Negrisoara and Rebra in the East Carpathians, Somes, Biharia and Baia de Aries in the Apuseni mountains, Fagaras, Leaota, Carat and Pades in the South Carpathians） represent late Cambrian-Ordovician rock assemblages. Their provenance, is probably within paleo-nortbeast Africa, close to the Arabian-Nubian shield. The late Cambrian-Ordovician terranes are defined here as Carpathian-type terranes. According to their lithostratigraphy and origin, some are of continental margin magmatic arc setting, whereas others formed in rift and back-arc environment and closed to passive continental margin settings. In a paleo- geographic reconstruction, the continental margin magmatic arc terranes were first that drifted out, followed by the passive continental margin terranes with the back-arc terranes in their front. They accreted to Laurussia during the Variscan orogeny. Some of them （Sebes-Lotru in South Carpathians and Baia de Aries in Apuseni mountains） underwent eclogite-grade metamorphism. The Danubian terranes, the Bretila terrane and the Somes terrane were intruded by Variscan granitoids.

Nature-Resource Potential of the Carpathian Region of Ukraine and Specificities of Its Use by Farming Enterprises

Method of nature-resource potential cost revaluation is suggested. The method proceeds from natural crop yield of Ukrainian lands provided that crops rotation is observed and lands are operated only mechanically with the use of no fertilizer. Nature-resource potential of Ukraine and its Carpathian Region are assessed in the aspect of administrative oblasts. Specificities of nature-resource potential’s use by farming enterprises are characterized. Peculiarities that effected upon formation of farming in Ukraine are reviewed. Indices of land availability are presented.

Stratigraphy of the Lower Cretaceous Sediments from the Carpathian Bend Area,Romania

The Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Ceahlǎu Nappe （from the bend region of the Romanian Carpathians） were investigated from lithological and micropaleontological （calcareous nannoplankton） points of view. Our investigations revealed that the studied deposits were sedimented within the latest Tithonian-Albian interval. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages of the turbidite calcareous successions （the Sinaia Formation） were assigned to the NJK-？NC5 calcareous nannofossil zones, which cover the Late Tithonian-Early Barremian interval. The sandy-shaly turbidites, which followed the calcareous turbidites of the Sinaia Formation, are Early Barremian-Early Albian in age （interval covered by the ？NC5-NC8 calcareous nannofossil zones）. Because the studied deposited are mainly turbidites, many reworked nannofossils from older deposits are present in the calcareous nannofloras. Thus, some biozones （i.e., NC5）, defined based on the last occurrences of nannofossils, could not be identified. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages are composed of Tethyan taxa （which dominate the nannofloras） and cosmopolitan taxa. During two intervals （the Late Valanginian and across the Barremian/Aptian boundary）, Tethyan and cosmopolitan nannofossils, together with Boreal ones, were observed. This type of mixed calcareous nannoplankton assemblage is indicative for sea-level high-stand, which allows the nannofloral exchange between the Tethyan and Boreal realms, within the two-above mentioned intervals.

Assessment of tectonic control on the development of low mountains moderate relief in the Outer Carpathians(Southern Poland)

Inherited tectonic structures,ongoing tectonic deformation,and variations in relative rock uplift rates play an important role in conditioning the processes of relief development.Their influence among other factors,such as climate and lithology,can be quantified using landscape analysis,and geomorphometric indices,in particular.The usage of landscape analysis in recent years is increasing systematically due to the constant improvement of the digital elevation models and GIS software that significantly facilitate this approach.In this study,we aim to recognize the influence of tectonic structures and processes on relief development in the low mountains with moderate relief of the Sola River catchment in the Western Outer Carpathians.To this end,we calculated geomorphometric indices(river longitudinal profile,stream-length gradient index,minimum bulk erosion,relief ratio,circulatory ratio,elongation ratio,and hypsometric integral)for the Sola River and its 47 sub-catchments using a 25-m spatial resolution Digital Terrain Elevation Data Level 2.Additionally,we identified lineaments and knickpoints and correlated the computed results with local and regional fault networks,variations in lithology,and climate fluctuations.Obtained results indicate a significant impact of inherited tectonicstructures on the relief development of the Sola River catchment,i.e.,directions of principal ridges and valleys follow the orientation of main folds and faults recorded in this area.Anomalously high values of minimum bulk erosion,river gradient,and streamlength gradient index allowed us to define two areas with higher relative uplift rates:1)the So?a Gorge and 2)the Beskid Zywiecki Mts.Polish Outer Carpathians are generally considered as an area of low strain rate and low seismic activity.However,the possibility of neotectonic processes should be considered in geohazard estimations.Observed bends in the direction of river valleys that do not correspond with changes in lithology could be related to active strikeslip faults.These are probably the reactivated basement structures,copied in the thin-skinned nappe cover,as a result of the accommodation of the Mur-Zilina Fault Zone resulting from the tectonic push of the Alcapa(Alpine-Carpathian-Pannonian)microplate against the European plate.Thus,the role of recent tectonic activity in relief development of the Sola River catchment even though appears to be subsidiary at the most,should not be excluded.

Long-term monitoring of the recruitment and dynamics of large wood in Kamienica Stream, Polish Carpathians

Studies presenting long-term observations of the recruitment and mobility of large wood in mountain watercourses are scarce,but they can considerably contribute to the knowledge of river/riparian forest interactions and the assessment of flood hazard resulting from wood mobility during floods.Widespread dieback of riparian forest along the headwater course of Kamienica Stream in the Polish Carpathians,caused by bark beetle infestation of spruce trees,has raised concerns about potential increases of large wood recruitment to the stream and of the flood hazard to downstream valley reaches.In October 2009,429 trees growing along three sections of the stream were tagged with numbered metal plates and monitored over 10 years to determine the timing and causes of their delivery to the channel and the lengths of their displacement during individual flood events.Moreover,in 2012 the mode of location of wood deposits and a degree of wood decay were determined in the second-to fourth-order stream reaches.The monitoring of tagged trees indicated that trees were recruited to the channel during highintensity meteorological and hydrological events,mostly as a result of bank erosion during floods or windthrow.With 22%of tagged trees recruited to the channel during 10 years,the rate of turnover of the riparian trees was estimated at 45 years.As the riparian area is overgrown with trees with ages up to^160 years,the rate evidences substantial intensification of large wood recruitment to the channel in the recent period.Results of large wood inventory and the 10-year-long monitoring of tagged trees indicated variable mobility of large wood along the upper course of the stream.Wood mobility was negligible in the second-order stream reach,very small in the third-order reach,and greater,but still limited in the fourth-order reach.Wood is transported longer distances only during major floods.However,the advanced state of decay of most pieces leads to their disintegration during floods,precluding distant transport.Thus,large wood retained in the upper stream course does not constitute an important flood hazard to downstream,inhabited valley reaches.

Humus horizon development during natural forest succession process in the Polish Carpathians

As a result of socio-economic changes and land abandonment,the main ecological driver of the Carpathian landscape is the progression of the natural forest succession process.Thus,aspects of this process have become worthy of attention,especially in the context of carbon sequestration and the management of protected areas.Soil processes,especially within the topsoil,are some of the most susceptible to change,due to the accumulation of organic matter during such land-use transformations.The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in topsoil development using the A Horizon Development Index(ADI)and to study the composition of humic substances and advanced organic matter humification in different land-use areas in selected Carpathian national parks,i.e.Bieszczady,Magura and Pieniny National Parks in southern Poland.Additionally,a goal of this study was to compare the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances as indicators of the degree of humus horizon shaping as well as advanced organic matter humification.In total,ten transects were selected,each consisting of three different land-use areas:semi-natural meadow,successional forest and old-growth forest.Soil colour was determined in fresh and air-dried samples using the Munsell colour chart.In air-dried soil samples p H,soil texture,total organic carbon and total nitrogen were measured.Humic substances were extracted and further characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy.The ADI confirmed the influence of natural forest succession on soil colour darkening and the development of the uppermost soil layer.Spectroscopic analyses of humic substances showed two different patterns depending on soil depth.In the 0–10 cm layer,natural forest succession reduced the rate of the humification process and decreased the degree of maturity of fulvic acids;in the 10–20 cm layer,it led to an increase in the rate of the humification process and a decrease in the content of humic and fulvic acids at the beginning of the transformation.The comparison of two different indicators of soil development–the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances(Q_(4/6),Q_(2/4),Q_(2/3),Δlog K)–indicated that these indexes are based on different features of soil and cannot be used interchangeably.

GPR Survey for Fir(Abies alba)and Spruce(Picea abies)Root Systems in Different Locations in the Western Carpathians Mts.(Poland)

The aim of the GPR research was a non-invasive inspection of the root systems arrangement of selected trees(fir Abies alba and spruce Picea abies),in the Silesian Beskids Landscaped Park and Zywiec Beskids Landscaped Park(Carpathian Mountains,Poland).Field research has been done using RAMAC/GPR with 800 MHz shielded antennas.The survey was conducted by linear profiling to a depth of 2 m.The survey was carried out around the designated trees in 6 meters×6 meters grids.Base points for X(S-N)and Y(W-E)axis were set in corners of each grid.Parallel GPR traverses were conducted within each study area,at intervals of 0.20 m.The maps of the research areas show existing trees and stumps within the GPR sections,with ±1 m error.GPR data analysis was carried out in 2D and 3D systems.Major findings from the GPR survey concluded that the firs(Abies alba),have a "vertical" root system type(with the roots dominant at depths of 0.2-0.8 meters),concentrically away from the tree trunk at a distance of about 1 m to about 2 m,and the spruces(Picea abies),have a "cloud" root system type(at a depth of 10-100 cm),with a few clear,thicker roots extending from the trunk.

Future Climate Impacts in Woodland and Forest Steppe Based on Holocene Paleoclimatic Trends, Paleobotanical Change in Central Part of the Carpathian Basin (Hungary)

The Sirok Nyírjes-tó peat bog provides an almost full Holocene climatic record reconstructed by bog surface wetness investigations based on plant macrofossil analysis. We compared our macrofossil data to anthracological material derived from archaeological sites and to the newest bioclimatological models of the Carpathian basin. On the basis of environmental historical and climatic data we aimed to reconstruct the expected changes of forested areas in the Carpathian Basin. The results indicate that the surface wetness decreases in long term. Parallel to the Sphagnum-peat decline an open forest and forest steppe developed surrounding the bog. The complete disappearance of Sphagna from the area must be linked to a steady drop in rainfall, resulting in at least 50 mm deficit in the local water balance. This could have been achieved by an increased evapotranspiration as a result of elevated temperatures of the summer growth season. This deficit value must have exceeded even 100 mm during the Middle Holocene Transition.

Genetic analysis for geographic isolation comparison of brown bears living in the periphery of the Western Carpathians Mountains with bears living in other areas

Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound human intervention. We assessed the genetic variability of a subpopulation of brown bears near the periphery of their range in the Western Carpathian Mountains and compared their genetic properties with those of bears in the core of the same population and elsewhere. Samples were collected non-invasively in 2007-2008 and2010 in Strázovské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in Slovakia (included in the NATURA 2000 networking programme). Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci (UaMU26, UaMU64, G10B, G1D, G10L, UaMU50 and UaMU51) were amplified using a nested PCR in order to assess the following parameters: variability, allelic combinations, heterozygosity, number of alleles and inbreeding coefficient. Sufficient brown bear DNA for analysis was obtained from 57 out of 140 samples (41%), among which 45 different genotypes were identified. Loci had a mean of 2.71 ± 0.76 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 0.59. The inbreeding coefficient was negative for all but one of the analysed loci (2007-2008). In the year 2010 was negative three of seven loci. These results imply that gene flow with other parts of the population has been maintained in the reduced level and the isolation level of bears in the study area was not so low. Nevertheless, the genetic variability of bears in Strázovské Vrchy PLA was lower than that reported from other localities in the Carpathian Mountains. The results are discussed in the context of behavioural ecology and conservation genetics.

Long-term variability of air temperature and precipitation conditions in the Polish Carpathians

Mountain regions are sensitive to climate changes, which make them good indicators of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in the Polish Carpathians. This study consists of climatological analyses for the historical period 1851-2010 and future projections for 2021-2100. The results confirm that there has been significant warming of the area and that this warming has been particularly pronounced over the last few decades and will continue in the oncoming years.Climate change is most evident in the foothills;however, these are the highest summits which have experienced the most intensive increases in temperature during the recent period. Precipitation does not demonstrate any substantial trend and has high year-to-year variability. The distribution of the annual temperature contour lines modelled for selected periods provides evidence of the upward shift of vertical climate zones in the Polish Carpathians,which reach approximately 350 meters, on average,what indicates further ecological consequences as ecosystems expand or become extinct and when there are changes in the hydrological cycle.

Natural Hazard Preventinkon and the Mountain Land Risk Reduction in the Western Carpathians

The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by forest fires. Economic lost about 0.1 to 0.2 %, exceptionally up to 0.8 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) proportionally to the Carpathian regions of particular countries. Natural disasters are linked, except of the above mentioned events, to infrequent small and medium scale earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Records of the most harmful natural events are found in archives since the 16th century. Their systematic study and factor analysis started from the end of the 19th century, and protective measures and organization of impact mitigation developed during the 20th century to minimize the risk.

Morphometric and geological conditions for sediment accumulation in the Udava River, Outer Carpathians, Slovakia

The accumulation of sediment in river channels is a phenomenon that is not only influenced by the channel morphology, but also by the physical and geographical character- istics and the endogenous and exogenous processes taking place in the catchment. This paper presents an analysis of the impact the changes in lithological conditions have on the morphological and morphometric parameters of the Udava River channel and their relation to the channel accumulation forms representative of the river＇s longitudinal profile as well as of its planform. Results document when accumulation forms occur and what is their spatial dis- tribution within the longitudinal and cross-sectional river profiles. More resistant structures created sections with a lower degree of sedimentation, while in depression segments the degree of sedimentation was higher. With the increase in longitudinal slope, the impact of channel width on the average channel bar size increased. Also a difference in the accumula- tion was observed between the left and right bank which could be possibly explained by the impact of Coriolis force.

阿尔卑斯—喀尔巴阡上白垩统大洋红层特征与对比

在前人研究的基础上,从时代、岩性、古生物、沉积速率、沉积环境等方面对阿尔卑斯—喀尔巴阡地区的上白垩统大洋红层进行了详细对比,发现研究区内上白垩统大洋红层最早出露于Cenomanian期,最晚可延续至古近纪,且在Campanian期出露最为广泛,其岩性以灰岩、泥灰岩和含泥灰岩为主,生物化石以浮游有孔虫为主,沉积速率较低且在各地不尽相似,在CCD面上、下均可以出现,沉积环境一般是大陆边缘盆地、斜坡和大洋盆地等远洋、半远洋环境。通过比较分析,为进一步深入研究上白垩统大洋红层提供较为全面的基础资料。

Crustal and Upper Mantle Research in Pannonian Basin by Electromagnetic Induction:A Review

The review paper summarizes the main results of the electromagnetic induction studies carried out in the Pannonian Basin and Carpathians during the last 30 years . The following conducting formations are discussed in detail : (1)Crustal conductors in the crystalline basement of the sedimentary basin mainly due to graphitic schist blocks clearly connected to the fracture tectonics of the area ; (2 ) Conducting layer in the lower crust probably due to free fluid deliberated by the dehydration process at temperature of 300-400℃during metamorphism ; (3 ) Conducting asthenosphere due to partial melting at the bottom of the lithosphere ; and (4) Conductivity increases due to olivine-spinel phase transition .All of these phenomena are strongly related to the special thermal state and tectonics of the Pannonian Basin and Carpathians.

30 years of the transformation of non-urban public transport in Poland's peripheral areas – what went wrong?

Transport-based social exclusion is currently a serious social problem in Poland,and one which is apparently most severe at the level of the county(Polish powiat)in the south-eastof the country,including the Beskid Niski and Bieszczady Mountains.A deeper illustration of this problem requires both observation of changes in the suburban public-transport network and the identification of areas in which this has deteriorated significantly in quantity and quality.The chosen starting point for the research was therefore 1990,as a year in which–on the one hand–the Polish economy was already shifted to the new free-market principles;while–on the other–state PKS(Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacji Samochodowej)non-urban bus transport enterprises still dominated public transport.The endpoint of the study is then the beginning of 2019(the author's research year).The article introduced here seeks to identify and present cartographically the changes affecting the public-transport network in the study area over the last 30 years,as well as to point to possible consequences of these processes.The background of the described changes is also discussed,as are the observed consequences of what is taking place.

Influence of tributaries on downstream bed sediment grain sizes under flysch conditions

Tributaries are one of the most important factors contributing to variability in the downstream evolution of bed sediment grain size.The primary aim of this work is to evaluate the response of the bed sediment texture in the recipient channel induced by ten tributaries of the?ernáOstravice stream and find reach-scale and catchment-scale parameters that would be able to predict this response.The research was based on collecting information on the grain size distributions at sites adjacent to confluence zones.A significant change in sediment texture occurred in the vicinity of five confluences.Considering the other factors contributing to grain size variability(e.g.,local channel geometry,lithology,and lateral sediment sources),it was assumed that only four of them were associated with a sufficient bedload influx to alter the sediment calibre below the junction.Moreover,a significant morphological effect in the form of a large confluence bar was observed in one case.These tributaries had several common features:(i)they had a larger relative catchment area than that of nonsignificant tributaries;(ii)they were characterized by different bed grain sizes,with some exceptions;and(iii)they had a higher unit stream power close to the confluence in relation to that of the mainstream.These characteristics were represented by the proposed relative parameters,including the relative unit stream power and bed material texture,which allowed the best classification of significant and nonsignificant tributaries.In their simplified form,the parameters described the transport capacity and grain size distribution,which were generally considered to be primary factors responsible for a redefinition of the sediment texture in the recipient channel.However,it should be noted that these results are subject to some degree of uncertainty due to the relatively small sample size of only 10 tributaries.

中新世的巨型欧亚高原:埃达克岩的证据

大数据研究表明,全球新生代埃达克岩主要出现在中新世时期,主要是C型的,与地壳加厚有关。根据中新世埃达克岩在欧亚大陆上的分布,可以识别出一个从青藏高原经巴基斯坦、伊朗、土耳其、小高加索、希腊、马其顿、塞尔维亚、匈牙利直至波兰的中新世的埃达克岩带。许多学者认为,该带的埃达克岩指示该区存在地壳加厚事件,该区从地貌上属于高原。该区由于情况复杂,资料缺乏,资料的精细程度也不尽相同,因此,对高原的描述不可能很清楚。我们大体知道,在始新世时期,印度-非洲板块与欧亚板块发生碰撞,部分地区在始新世-古新世即出现埃达克岩,至渐新世晚期-中新世,埃达克岩广泛出露,暗示板块强烈碰撞作用主要出现在中新世。巨型的欧亚高原可能从渐新世晚期-中新世早期开始形成,一直持续到现在,现在的喀尔巴阡、土耳其、伊朗、巴基斯坦、阿富汗、西藏、青海、蒙古以及四川和云南的西北部,仍然属于高原的范围。

Accumulation Characteristics of Some Elements in the Moss Polytrichum commune(Bryophytes)Based on XRF Spectrometry

Bryophytes are broadly used as bioindicators. However, the internal distribution of accumulated elements in the moss tissue is little known. Sampling was carried out in The West Carpathians, Slovakia, in autumn 2012. Seven replicates have been used. The samples were analyzed by XRF Spectrometer Delta Classic. S, Pb, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ba and Zn were determined. For ordination analysis we used principal component analysis, statistical graphics system STATISTICA have been used for the correlation analysis and for analysis of variance. Results show that sulphur, zinc, chromium, manganese, molybdenum, kalcium and copper are preferentially accumulated in the capsula. While lead favors gametophyte, potassium and strontium prefer accumulation in sporophyte. Iron significantly accumulates in the more-year segments, while zinc in the stems. Copper, chromium and sulphur are accumulated preferentially in The Fatra Mts.